Franco Basili
Franco Basili
Class Year
M.M. ’22
Current home
Woodland Hills, California
Major(s)
Master of Music in Music Pedagogy
Current Position
Assistant Professor and Director of Choral Activities at California Lutheran University
Franco Basili M.M. ’22 graduated from Carthage with a Master of Music in Music Pedagogy. He continued his studies at the University of Houston, where he earned a Doctor of Musical Arts. Now, Mr. Basili serves as the director of choral activities and assistant professor at California Lutheran University. His work includes directing the treble choir and the mixed chamber choir, teaching choral conducting, coordinating vocal music-related activities, and assisting in recruitment efforts. Mr. Basili was also invited to participate in the Romano Gandolfi Choral Conducting Competition in Italy.
Mr. Basili tries to stay up to date with the Carthage choirs and continues to maintain contact with his friends and professors at the College.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“The opportunity to make music with talented people all over the world.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“Carthage was a great place to start as an international student. I found support, and I was seen. It is also important to highlight the caliber of the teachers I had at Carthage; they made me a better person and a better musician. If I had to name three professors who stand out, I would say Eduardo García-Novelli, Rick Bjella, and Kurt Link.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“Attending Carthage was the best possible scenario for me after the pandemic. As an international student, I joined the Target Language Expert (TLE) program through the Modern Languages Department after a recommendation of Prof. García-Novelli.”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“At Carthage, I had the opportunity to teach my native language at the college level. I was also able to sing in an internationally-awarded choir under Prof. García-Novelli and Prof. Bjella. Lastly, I was encouraged to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at the University of Houston, one of the country’s best programs.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“Prof. García-Novelli is still today a great mentor and friend! He answers every question I have and guides me wisely, so I don’t commit mistakes.”
What role have the values in Carthage's mission, "Seeking Truth, Building Strength, Inspiring Service — Together" played in your life?
“I strive to embody Carthage’s values every day and reflect them in my work with students. The choir is a ‘let’s do it together’ activity, in which everyone is giving their best to create something beautiful, good, and true. It is my role as a conductor to serve the needs of everyone in the room and serve the music.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“One of my best memories is of the tour in Ireland I took with the Carthage Choir. I also enjoyed all the moments shared in community with my TLE friends, such as the meals and music on Saturday nights, the trips to Chicago, and biking around town.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Be kind, work hard, and enjoy your life because you can bring all those experiences into your daily work. Learn how to overcome difficulties. There will be many moments when things will not go the way you expected, but it is not the end of the world. Take a step back, analyze possible solutions, and move forward.”